Proverbs Chapter 18 · Verse 12
Before destruction the heart of man is haughty, and before honour is humility.
Original Language Analysis
וְלִפְנֵ֖י
Before
H6440
וְלִפְנֵ֖י
Before
Strong's:
H6440
Word #:
1 of 8
the face (as the part that turns); used in a great variety of applications (literally and figuratively); also (with prepositional prefix) as a preposi
שֶׁ֭בֶר
destruction
H7667
שֶׁ֭בֶר
destruction
Strong's:
H7667
Word #:
2 of 8
a fracture, figuratively, ruin; specifically, a solution (of a dream)
יִגְבַּ֣הּ
is haughty
H1361
יִגְבַּ֣הּ
is haughty
Strong's:
H1361
Word #:
3 of 8
to soar, i.e., be lofty; figuratively, to be haughty
לֵב
the heart
H3820
לֵב
the heart
Strong's:
H3820
Word #:
4 of 8
the heart; also used (figuratively) very widely for the feelings, the will and even the intellect; likewise for the center of anything
אִ֑ישׁ
of man
H376
אִ֑ישׁ
of man
Strong's:
H376
Word #:
5 of 8
a man as an individual or a male person; often used as an adjunct to a more definite term (and in such cases frequently not expressed in translation)
וְלִפְנֵ֖י
Before
H6440
וְלִפְנֵ֖י
Before
Strong's:
H6440
Word #:
6 of 8
the face (as the part that turns); used in a great variety of applications (literally and figuratively); also (with prepositional prefix) as a preposi
Cross References
Proverbs 15:33The fear of the LORD is the instruction of wisdom; and before honour is humility.Proverbs 11:2When pride cometh, then cometh shame: but with the lowly is wisdom.1 Peter 5:5Likewise, ye younger, submit yourselves unto the elder. Yea, all of you be subject one to another, and be clothed with humility: for God resisteth the proud, and giveth grace to the humble.Proverbs 16:18Pride goeth before destruction, and an haughty spirit before a fall.Proverbs 29:23A man's pride shall bring him low: but honour shall uphold the humble in spirit.Ezekiel 28:2Son of man, say unto the prince of Tyrus, Thus saith the Lord GOD; Because thine heart is lifted up, and thou hast said, I am a God, I sit in the seat of God, in the midst of the seas; yet thou art a man, and not God, though thou set thine heart as the heart of God:Luke 14:11For whosoever exalteth himself shall be abased; and he that humbleth himself shall be exalted.Ezekiel 28:9Wilt thou yet say before him that slayeth thee, I am God? but thou shalt be a man, and no God, in the hand of him that slayeth thee.Daniel 9:20And whiles I was speaking, and praying, and confessing my sin and the sin of my people Israel, and presenting my supplication before the LORD my God for the holy mountain of my God;Daniel 9:23At the beginning of thy supplications the commandment came forth, and I am come to shew thee; for thou art greatly beloved: therefore understand the matter, and consider the vision.
Historical Context
Ancient rulers who exalted themselves often fell dramatically (Nebuchadnezzar, Belshazzar, Herod). God's pattern of humbling the proud and exalting the humble was demonstrated throughout Scripture.
Questions for Reflection
- How does pride set you up for falls you could avoid through humility?
- In what areas do you need to humble yourself to receive God's honor?
Analysis & Commentary
Pride precedes destruction, humility before honor—this reversal of worldly wisdom shows God's kingdom operates by different principles. The proud heart exalts itself for a fall, while the humble are lifted by God. This anticipates Jesus' teaching that the last shall be first (Matthew 23:12).